Fish Fingers (Crispy Indian Style, Oven-Baked)
Crispy oven-baked fish fingers coated in Indian spices and breadcrumbs. A lighter take on a classic snack or meal, full of flavor and easy to make.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4
Calories: 153kcal
- 500 g white fish fillets cut into strips (about 12–14 pieces)
- 60 g breadcrumbs ½ cup
- 8 g fresh cilantro finely chopped (2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon 1 lemon
Spice Mix
- 2 g fennel seeds 1 teaspoon
- 2 g cumin seeds 1 teaspoon
- 2 g coriander seeds 1 teaspoon
- 3 g turmeric powder 1 teaspoon
- 1 g ground black pepper ½ teaspoon
For Coating
- 2 large eggs beaten (2 eggs)
- Salt to taste
For Greasing & Serving
- 10 ml oil for greasing tray (2 teaspoons)
- 1 lemon cut into wedges (1 lemon)
- Green chutney or salad to serve (optional)
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment and lightly grease it.
Mix breadcrumbs with chopped cilantro and lemon zest in a bowl. Set aside.
Toast spices by heating fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Grind coarsely, then stir in turmeric and black pepper.
Beat eggs in a shallow bowl with a pinch of salt.
Season fish with a little salt. Dip each strip into the spice mix, then the egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Place on the tray.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the coating is golden and crisp and the fish is cooked through.
Serve hot with lemon wedges, chutney or salad.
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Fish swaps: Any firm white fish works, such as tilapia or pollock.
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Breadcrumbs: Panko will give extra crunch.
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Make ahead: Coat the fish and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking.
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Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes.
Twist ideas
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Spicier: Add a pinch of chili powder to the spice mix.
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Milder: Stick with fennel and coriander only for a softer flavor.
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Fusion style: Swap lemon zest for lime and serve with avocado dip.
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Kid-friendly: Skip the spice mix for half the batch and just use breadcrumbs.
Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 440mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg